Travel Suggestions Blog

Like most trips and travel plans, there are chances that a booked African safari may be cancelled. To avoid the financial burden of such a cancellation, it is best to purchase trip cancellation insurance for safaris—in fact, many safaris require proof of such insurance before travelers report for the trip.

However, international travel health insurance is also required in addition to trip cancellation insurance for African safaris. Safari operators may extend coverage when a trip is booked, but it is important to check that their coverage is adequate and costs are reasonable.

Generally, trip cancellation insurance offers other benefits such as baggage safety against loss or theft, in addition to safari cancellation and rescheduling. Remember that theft of baggage is a common problem at African airports.

Safaris can/could be cancelled due to the weather, the lack of enough participants for the safari, or baggage problems. Baggage delay is another reason your safari can be postponed, so it’s not difficult to see why you need trip cancellation insurance.

In case of medical insurance, ensure coverage for all major medical problems, as well as emergency evacuation and repatriation benefits. You might be able to save costs if trip cancellation insurance is purchased together with the medical insurance. Remember to look for and buy coverage that suits your needs.

The safari is not the only thing that your trip cancellation insurance will cover. The non-refundable portions of your travel tickets, accommodation, and any other travel-related expenses are also covered. You will require receipts and proof of reservation and cancellation in order to make a claim on a trip cancellation insurance plan.

One of the hitches in the emergency medical evacuation clause is the fact that most areas that safaris cover are remote and not well connected by phone. So when an emergency actually occurs, getting prior permission or organizing it through the insurance company may not be an option. The trip cancellation and travel insurance company selected must be able to still accept claims.

Remember to also purchase your travel cancellation insurance and medical insurance within seven days of booking your travel. Carefully check the plan you have chosen—it might feature the one-week purchase limit as a prerequisite for coverage, or as a prerequisite for extra benefits.